La Serenissima ! Venetian Celebrations, from Tiepolo to Guardi

With just one month to go before the temporary exhibition “La Serenissima – Venetian celebrations, from Tiepolo to Guardi” at the Musée Cognacq-Jay closes, La Samaritaine invites you to discover Venice’s spirit of celebration!

In the 18th century, the Venetian republic’s political and economic stability gave rise to Venice’s last golden age, which ended with the Napoleonic conquest in 1797. This ultimate chapter of a 1,000-year history was marked by an unprecedented collection of events, both public and private, throughout the city – celebrations, feasts, regattas, and other events punctuated the life of the city, attracting both the curious and fans from all over Europe.

Far from being pure idle entertainment, these festivities – like the annual Carnevale, or carnival celebration – were an integral part of the political and religious environment of the city. Over 40 paintings, engravings and drawings from French and European collections are on display in this exhibition, showcasing the artistic splendour of La Serenissima at the time of the Enlightenment.

The exhibition highlights four themes linked to Venetian festivals – festivities large and small, from the city to the stage, power on display and the carnival itself.

The temporary exhibition is on display at the Musée Cognacq-Jay Museum from 25 February – 25 June, 2017. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Entry fee – full price €8, reduced price €6.